Letters to editor: Time to introspect

This refers to the editorial, ‘Look within’ (IE, July 18).

This refers to the editorial, ‘Look within’ (IE, July 18). I fully agree with the draft report prepared and submitted by the three directors-general of police from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on the issue of “trust deficit” between the police forces and the Muslim community in our country. Certainly, Muslims have not been given adequate representation in state police forces across India. The perception that the police acts in a biased manner against them is quite strong in the community. Several Muslim youths have been implicated in false cases of terrorism and made to languish in jails for years together without trial. Their grievances are genuine. The Centre and state governments must take the report of the police very seriously.

— R.K. Kapoor
Chandigarh

Kudos to the DGs of Maharashtra, UP and Tamil Nadu for conducting an internal exercise on the sensitive issue of distrust between the law enforcers and the Muslim community, a widely recognised but poorly debated and acknowledged fact. The three DGs have shown leadership and pragmatism by drafting reports whose suggestions must be considered seriously by the government. With the world in turmoil, India needs to focus urgently on reducing this trust deficit because the spillover can be very dangerous.
— Gaurav Gupta
New Delhi

New world order
The Fortaleza declaration represents a milestone for all members of the BRICS. The declaration announced the setting up of the New Development Bank, and urged reforms in Bretton Woods institutions as well as the UN Security Council. This declaration has Narendra Modi’s imprint on it. India was able to secure the presidency of the NDB. China and Russia reiterated the importance of India, Brazil and South Africa in international affairs. Modi steered clear of the usual ‘North-South divide’ rhetoric and put forward pragmatic ideas like increasing “vertical cooperation” through strengthening sub-national bonds. The meet bolsters his international credentials.
— Rushikesh Kodgi
Pune

Juvenile act

I found Aparna Ravi’s article on the proposed changes to the Juvenile Justice Act excellent and informative. To lower the age for conviction of juveniles aged 16-18, accused of serious crime, makes a mockery of the JJ Act. Union minister Maneka Gandhi
seems to have taken a populist decision, infringing on child rights. While no one is trivialising the pain and anguish felt by the families of victims, it is important to realise juvenile offenders often come from broken families, and lack formal education or guidance. They certainly don’t get a refresher course on the “Juvenile Justice Act” before they offend, as Gandhi seems to imply. They need rehabilitation, not tougher punishment.